GNFL and GNWFL round seven preview: Brigades and Northampton to battle it out in game of the round
Northampton will host Brigades in round seven of the GNFL on Saturday as the Rams aim to build on their impressive performance last weekend against Railways when they fell just short in a four-point thriller.
Despite only winning one game so far this season, the Rams managed to get extremely close to causing a big upset against the league leaders Railways in Kalbarri.
Northampton showed character in the contest, with coach Jeremy Heberle crediting his side for their resilience and determination.
'Certainly proud of the efforts the boys are showing, we are heading in the right direction,' he said.
'I was really happy with our match-ups and our decision-making in key moments throughout that game.
'We bounced back and tested one of the best teams this year, but we are always looking to improve.'
Heberle said his side's work rate off the ball and pressure in defence led to the impressive outing against the undefeated Blues.
'We put a focus on our work rate off the ball and it showed,' Heberle said.
'We worked harder when we didn't have the footy and pressure was high.
'I was really happy with how our players handled the situation and their match-ups.'
Now turning their attention to hosting Brigades this weekend, Heberle said the confidence within the playing group was high.
'Confidence is up given that we really took it to Railways in the way that we did last week,' he said.
'We are just looking to focus on ourselves and continue to improve.
'Of course we would like to win every game in the season but as long as we are improving, then we are happy.
'Brigades pose a threat but we are more than capable of matching them.
'Shutting down someone like Dylan Ralph will be key as well as giving some attention to Hayden Johnson.'
Currently rounding out the top four, Brigades have two wins to their name against Rovers and Mullewa.
Regardless of their win-loss ratio, Brigades showed their potential danger to the top teams with a strong performance against reigning premiers Chapman Valley last weekend.
The Hawks put on a show in the third quarter, clawing their way back into the contest as the Royals were caught out briefly with Brigades making the most of the momentum swing.
While Chapman Valley proved why they are one of the flag favourites for 2025, running away to win by 18 points, the Royals hadn't been tested like that at home in a quarter since their loss against Railways in round three.
Brigades will take their best 22 to Northampton with the hopes of picking up their third win of the year as they look to stay in the top four.
The GNWFL game of the round will be played at Greenough Oval on Saturday when Rovers host Railways, with both teams looking to clinch their second win of the season.
Railways are coming off their first win in 665 days when they beat Northampton in Kalbarri as the team got their season rolling in 2025.
After not fielding a team last year, the Blues are back on the winners' list this season and will be looking to go two in a row when they face the Demons.
Rovers, however, are coming off a big loss to flag favourites Towns in what was a tough day at Greenough. This week provides a better match-up for the Demons as they look to pick themselves back up against the Blues at home.
Rovers' last win came in round three against Northampton when the Dees rolled over the top of the Rams in stunning fashion, winning by 65 points in what was their first win in over two seasons.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Saturday, June 7
LEAGUE (2.30pm)
Northampton v Brigades: Purcher International Oval
Chapman Valley v Mullewa: Mazzuchelli Oval
Rovers v Railways: Greenough Oval
Bye: Towns
WOMEN (1pm)
Northampton v Brigades: Purcher International Oval
Rovers v Railways: Greenough Oval
Bye: Chapman Valley and Towns
RESERVES
Northampton v Brigades: Purcher International Oval (11.30am)
Rovers v Railways: Greenough Oval (11.30am)
Chapman Valley v Mullewa: Mazzuchelli Oval (1pm)
Bye: Towns
COLTS
Northampton v Brigades: Purcher International Oval (9.30am)
Rovers v Railways: Greenough Oval (9.30am)
Chapman Valley v Mullewa: Mazzuchelli Oval (11am)
Bye: Towns
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